All "crank, no start" conditions are approached in the same way. Every engine requires certain functions to be able to run. Some of these functions rely on specific components to work and some components are part of more than one function so it is important to see the whole picture to be able to conclude anything about what may have failed. Also, these functions can ONLY be tested during the failure. Any other time and they will simply test good because the problem isn't present at the moment.
If you approach this in any other way, you are merely guessing and that only serves to replace unnecessary parts and wastes money.

Every engine requires spark, fuel and compression to run. That's what we have to look for.

These are the basics that need to be tested and will give us the info required to isolate a cause.

1) Test for spark at the plug end of the wire using a spark tester. If none found, check for power supply on the + terminal of the coil with the key on.

2) Test for injector pulse using a small bulb called a noid light. If none found, check for power supply at one side of the injector with the key on.

3) Use a fuel pressure gauge to test for correct fuel pressure, also noticing if the pressure holds when key is shut off.

4) If all of these things check good, then you would need to do a complete compression test.

Once you have determined which of these functions has dropped out,
you will know which system is having the problem.

Answered by Wrenchtech (expert)
14,743 answers provided

Ive got new plugs and wires on the car. It also has new fuel pump, fuel injectors, coil and ignitiion module above the coil. I was going to run a fuel pressure test and have the pick up coil in the distributor replaced. could either one or both of these fix my problem without running a compression test? If it had bad compreesion it would smoke. This car doesnt smoke. It runs like a new one till it gets to normal running temps then it just shuts off like you turned the key off. It will restart after about 10 to 15 minutes.

Response from mjbutz93
1 question asked

We don't throw parts at a problem, we test to determine what the system is lacking. This testing has to be done during the 10 to 15 minutes where it isn't starting.

Answered by Wrenchtech (expert)
14,743 answers provided

Thanks for nothing. You did not help me at all. All you did is blow smoke at me. I did figure out what the problem is without your help. I got more info from my local Chevy garage and a Chilton manual than I did from you. I will NEVER come back here for help again. This site and yourself are a JOKE!!!!!!

Response from mjbutz93
1 question asked

And you have a great day too.

Answered by Wrenchtech (expert)
14,743 answers provided